lose-lose

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the article, entitled “The Arithmetic of Active Management,” Sharpe showed that, while beating the market is a win-lose, zero-sum game before transaction costs, it is a lose-lose, negative-sum game after those costs.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

"With the two countries fighting this tariff war, it's a lose-lose situation for everyone, it's not a win-win scenario," Guo told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

“By taking away this program, hundreds of thousands of California’s drivers will pay the price. It’s a lose-lose and we urge the federal government to retain this program.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

Right now, though, it’s a lose-lose — those public-sector workers are losing their jobs, and we’re all losing the benefits of their skills and experience.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2025

Either way, my poor maman was in a lose-lose situation.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi